French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Kenya ahead of the highly anticipated Africa Forward Summit, a major gathering expected to focus on investment, diplomacy, innovation, and Africa’s future role in the global economy.

Nairobi will host the summit on May 11–12, 2026, in partnership with France, with the event expected to bring together heads of state and business leaders to advance investment and deepen Africa’s global partnerships.

Macron touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday, May 10, 2026, where he was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi was accompanied by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the official reception ceremony.

Traditional welcome at JKIA

Upon disembarking from his plane, the French president was treated to a colourful cultural performance featuring traditional Kenyan dancers dressed in traditional attire.

The performers entertained guests with song and dance in a symbolic display of Kenyan culture and hospitality.

The reception concluded with a performance by Maasai traditional dancers, who welcomed Macron with energetic chants and dances as dignitaries looked on.

Focus on Africa Forward Summit

Macron’s visit comes as global attention increasingly shifts toward Africa’s economic growth, youthful population, and strategic importance in international trade and geopolitics.

The Africa Forward Summit is expected to bring together political leaders, investors, diplomats, policymakers, and business executives to discuss issues including infrastructure, climate action, healthcare, digital transformation, and economic partnerships.

Kenya is positioning itself as a key regional hub for diplomacy, innovation, and investment, with Nairobi continuing to host major continental and international forums.

Mudavadi had confirmed on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that preparations for the event are all set.

He also announced that the government is keen on delivering a world-class forum that demands seamless coordination across it.

“Preparations for the Africa Forward Summit (May 11–12) are in full gear, and delivering a world-class forum demands seamless coordination across Government,” Mudavadi said.

The Summit, co-hosted by President William Samoei Ruto and Macron, will bring together thousands of delegates, including Heads of State and Government, policymakers, investors, innovators, and development partners from across Africa and beyond.

The Summit presents a strategic opportunity to advance partnerships in digital innovation, infrastructure, investment, and youth empowerment, all of which are central to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’oei said the programme will run for two days, starting with a business forum on May 11 focused on “Inspire and Connect”, including B2B matchmaking, workshops, and sector discussions.

The Heads of State Summit will follow on May 12 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), with plenaries and roundtables expected to culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration.

Officials said talks will focus on seven themes: energy transition and green industrialisation, reform of the international financial architecture, blue economy, sustainable agriculture, AI and digital technologies, resilient health systems, and peace and security.